Shakespeare, As They Like It

Youth Group Uses Classic Tragedy To Give Voice To The Modern Issues Of Ebonics, Hiv, Discrimination And Faith.

April 28, 1997|By CHRISTINE WALKER Staff Writer

Black Bugs Brought Bucks of Black Beer Blood.

"Drop the jaw," vocal instructor Phyllis Jones admonishes when cast members drag out the "a" in "black" during diction practice. "It may sound funny here, but when it hits the back wall it'll sound straight. ... Even though this is `Ebonics,' it's still acting. It's still theater."

Ebonics is just one of the timely issues addressed in Yo, Juliet!, a musical written and produced by The Talented Teens of the Boys & Girls Club of Broward. Performances are scheduled for May 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St.

In this '90s version of the Shakespearean tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, the young couple's love is tested when a rumor spreads that one of them is HIV positive. Topics of discrimination and faith in God also are tackled.

Not only do they pepper the script with Ebonics - which garnered attention after the Oakland (Calif.) School Board in December declared the black American dialect a second language - the actors tackle the controversial topic in the opening scene. Juliet, played by Jeanny Ocampo, 16, defends her use of the lingo above her mother's objections.

"We try to take pieces of reality, our dreams, feelings and try to express how we feel through acting, singing and dancing," said Tarlisha Ascar, 16. "There's a lot of teen negativity in the media. We show we can work together and do something. Our major theme is love. We want to show we have love for each other."

Aside from performing at community events, the 38 cast members from Broward County put on a major production annually. Past themes have centered on domestic abuse, surviving tragedy and gang violence.

They produce the musical with assistance from the Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts, which has a Fort Lauderdale office. Last year, the President's Council on the Arts and Humanities recognized the program, along with 216 others selected from 6,000 national applicants, for its accomplishments.

"There are a lot of schools," said David Spangler, director of the Lovewell Institute, which started its programs in Kansas eight years ago. "We stress the motivational aspect. Get them excited about life, learning, sharing ideas. It's that excitement that will carry them through."

Lovewell is a national organization that has been working with the Boys & Girls club creative arts unit for the past four years.

"The kids are extremely creative," said Belvit Jordan, the unit's service director and surrogate mother. "We teach them how to channel all that creativity. Many come here as F students and are now A and B students. We minister the spirit of love and understanding. We make this a positive place."

Leroy Lake, aka Romeo, said the production gives him and his peers a chance to erase stereotypes and showcase their talent.

"A lot of adults don't listen to teens," said Tarnisha Ascar, Tarlisha's twin sister. "We want to show we're not dumb on issues."

The Creative Arts Unit not only affords cast members a chance to display their artistry, it gives them a place to vent their emotions.

"When we're going through problems, we let each other know we're not alone. We work together," Tarlisha said. "This is like a family. Here we have a feeling of home. We eat here, relax here."

Said Tarnisha: "We can leave our problems and cares at the door."

Tickets to the show cost $2, $5, $10 and $25. Proceeds will fund scholarships for students at the Creative Arts Unit, 2200 N. Powerline Road. For tickets, call 954-537-1010.